A big, intelligent South American lizard now breeding across central Florida and into Georgia after escaping the pet trade. Reaching four feet long, the tegu is a relentless egg-eater, raiding the nests of gopher tortoises, alligators, and ground-nesting birds - which is why wildlife officials track and remove them. Warm, curious, and surprisingly dog-like, it is an eye-catching find and an unwelcome one.
Best time to see a Argentine Black and White Tegu
The best time to see a Argentine Black and White Tegu is March–June, when about 66% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 268 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Recent Argentine Black and White Tegu sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spotted an Argentine Black and White Tegu?
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